Zhao Ming groaned as he opened his eyes, his head pounding like a war drum. The faint scent of aged wood, ink, and herbal medicine filled his nostrils. A wooden ceiling loomed above him, unfamiliar yet oddly calming.
“Where… am I?” he muttered.
He pushed himself up, feeling the soft yet rough fabric of his robes—a blue scholar’s attire, stitched with faint patterns of clouds. His hands trembled slightly as he inspected them. Slender, youthful, unfamiliar.
His heart raced. This wasn’t his body.
Just as panic threatened to rise, a sudden sound echoed in his mind.
> Ding!
> [Life Choice System Activated.]
> [Welcome, Zhao Ming.]
A translucent golden text box appeared in the air before him.
> [Your consciousness has merged with this body. Past memories are erased to ensure a fresh start.]
> [Current Location: An inn outside Zhou County, 184 AD, Eastern Han Dynasty.]
Zhao Ming froze. 184 AD? That was the era of Romance of the Three Kingdoms—a time of legendary heroes, ruthless warlords, and ceaseless chaos.
> [Your identity: Zhao Ming, a 16-year-old scholar traveling to Zhou County.]
Zhao Ming's eye twitched. "Wait. What happened to me before this? Who was I before?"
> [Irrelevant. Your past no longer matters. Only the choices you make from now on will shape your fate.]
>
> This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.
Zhao Ming rubbed his temples. “Great. I’m stuck in ancient China with no memories.”
> [Incorrect. You are given an opportunity. How you use it is up to you. Your past no longer matters—only the choices you make from now on will shape your fate.]
> [However, you will have bits of information about the current era and its story. This knowledge is limited and incomplete but may help you navigate key historical events.]
Something about that statement sent a chill down his spine. An opportunity?
He took a deep breath. “Fine. Show me my stats.”
> [Displaying Status:]
>
>
> Name: Zhao Ming
> 赵明
> Age: 16
> Identity: Scholar (No official rank)
> Reputation: 0
> Martial Arts: None
> Cultivation: None
> Skills: Basic Calligraphy, Poetry (Beginner), Classical Chinese Studies
Zhao Ming stared at the screen. “…I’m weak as hell.”
> [Correct. You have no martial prowess, no cultivation, and no reputation. In this era, you are insignificant.]
He sighed. “Then how do I get stronger?”
> [Strength in this world is tied to Reputation. The higher your reputation, the more opportunities you unlock—including martial arts, cultivation techniques, and political influence.]
“Reputation?” Zhao Ming frowned. “You mean, like fame?”
> [Correct. Reputation can be earned through achievements—whether through politics, war, or legendary deeds. The world watches, and history remembers.]
> [However, reputation is not bound by morality. You can be a revered scholar, a cunning official, a feared warlord, or a ruthless tyrant. The world will judge your choices accordingly.]
Zhao Ming's lips curled into a small smile. So, he could choose between righteousness and villainy?
“Interesting… I like options.”
> [Your first step is survival. Your teacher, Master Shen, awaits you in Zhou County. He has connections to the Imperial Court and will guide your path. Head there immediately.]
“Zhou County…” Zhao Ming muttered. If he recalled correctly, that was where Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei were forming their legendary brotherhood.
A grin spread across his face. Politics, war, cultivation, and a system that rewards both good and evil?
This world had endless possibilities.
He adjusted his robes.
“Alright then. Let’s see what this world has to offer.”